If you want soup, there’s only one place you need to go in this city: Union of Genius café. This wee establishment on Forrest Road feeds the hungry hordes of the Old Town every weekday with their delicious range of freshly made soups, guaranteed to comfort and nourish.

As well as their café on Forrest Road, Union of Genius also have the Dumbo Soup Van on George Square and supply many other cafés, spreading their soupy goodness around the length and bredth of the capital.

Vegan food at Union of Genius

The menu changes every day at Union of Genius – but there are always six soups to choose from, and at least two or three will be vegan. The soup café uses a traffic light system, so any options marked green are good for vegans. Gluten-free options are clearly marked too. Expect flavours like Moroccan harira with lentils and chickpea, butternut and cardamon, or sweet potato and coconut.

The soup comes with a choice of bread from Dough Re Mi bakery, which is almost completely vegan. Ask the friendly staff to keep you right. They also do an incredible vegan chilli, which is on offer every day.

Finally, make sure you leave room for one of the delightful vegan cakes, which are created by gluten-free bakers Gluttony. The raspberry, coconut and vanilla traybake is my personal favourite.

I have been a huge fan of Union of Genius for as long as I can remember, so I would heartily recommend to anyone looking for a wholesome vegan lunch. It can get a bit cramped during lunchtimes, so if you can’t find a seat to perch on it might be an idea to take your soup to go and enjoy while watching the world go by at nearby Bristo Square or the Meadows. Either way, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly Edinburgh day!

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Disclaimer

I try my absolute upmost to make sure that every review is accurate – but mistakes do occasionally happen so always double check with your server before ordering. If you find any errors on the site, please contact emma@veganedinburgh.com and I will rectify as soon as possible.